“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.
By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
granting an inheritance to those who love me,
and filling their treasuries. Proverbs 8:12-21
We will all at one time or another make a poor decision. In hindsight, it may be morally bad. It might be blatantly stupid. At the moment of truth, it will reveal our ignorance on the matter. We may destroy our bank account. We may lose the love of a relationship. We may even cause the death of another. Or even severely damage oneself. Yet the world around us will keep on going forward. The question is how will we respond?
We will all make a poor decision somewhere in our life. How we respond and move forward though will separate the adult from the child in the room. In baseball, a top-performing batting average is three-hundred. It implies the batter failed seven of ten times. Yet he is at the top of his game. In trading the markets, a trader can be right fifty-percent of the time and make money. Thus, not all decisions produce productive outcomes. But how one manages the moments of failure separates the winner from the loser in life.
Life is a learning process preparing one for eternity. Yes, good, better, and the best decisions possible are the hallmarks of a worthwhile life. When one has a long-term view and a clear vision of the outcome, one has an advantage. When you add a foundation of solid principles, the outcome is even better.
Prudence is the ability to use reason and judgment in various situations. It may include managing affairs, avoiding risks, or conserving resources (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Prudence comes from wisdom. Wisdom begins with understanding reality and the Maker of reality. When one comes to know the character and insight of the God of creation, one gains prudence.
For example, science is built on understanding how creation works. When one better understands how creation operates, one learns truths. We begin to see how these truths leave fingerprints of a master designer. The coding of the human DNA requires a highly intelligent coder. The Bible reveals this coder as the Triune God. The Bible also reveals the character and purpose of this God. Through HIS relationship with humanity, we learn more about HIM. To ignore the facts learned throughout Scripture is a denial of history. It also reveals the human potential. It gives great insight and prudence in governing humanity, self, and material resources.
The time to learn how to make prudent decisions begins in the early days of our youth. This is a time where failure can be quickly remedied by one’s parents. But when adulthood is reached, one needs to accept personal responsibility. We most often will fail at anything we attempt the first time. Our response though is how will we proceed. Will we hide under the bed covers or take a proactive approach and become a more prudent person in the process?
Having a relationship with the King of heaven and earth is a great place to be when it comes to learning prudence. As we lean on HIM, he will direct the necessary resources along with HIS grace to help you through the process. It will not be easy. But it will strengthen your character and prepare you for eternity. And perhaps during the process, you may even gain a few materials of comfort. Yes, HE is your key to learning how to be more successful in your walk thru life. It may not be the story you want, but it will be the story you need.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
Radical In Christ 